and adopting more enabling regulatory policies and practices, broadband and mobile devices will become more affordable, stimulating the development of the digital ecosystem. Additionally, it will be important to remove the barriers persons with disability face, enabling them to enjoy full and free participation in the development agenda.8 5.2.3 Drivers of m-services and apps There are several trends that are building momentum for rapid dissemination of m-services and apps, and these are discussed in the following sub-sections.5.2.3.1 Commitment to digital inclusion The power of ICTs to enable the achievement of development goals has strengthened the case for “social inclusion” objectives, to include broadband connectivity, telephony service coverage, and Internet access -- all aimed at small and medium‐sized rural communities and the urban poor. The increasing use of applications to deliver civic services, health, and education – and to drive businesses and commerce – entails the need to commit to digital inclusion. This will drive the articulation of coherent and comprehensive national broadband plans in order to achieve the intended benefits.9 But there is no “one size fits all.”10 According to the OECD, as broadband technology continues to improve and bandwidth increases, its capacity to enable structural change in the economy will expand due to its impact on an increasing number of sectors and activities.11 5.2.3.2 Competition The increasing reliance on competition as the primary driver of consumer benefits has spurred significant economic growth in many countries. For example, in 2014, mobile services added 3.2 per cent (USD 548 billion) to the United State Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exceeding the contributions to GDP of several other industries, including entertainment, transportation, automobiles, hospitality, and agriculture.12 Robust competition has brought about lower prices, improved quality and greater innovation and diversity in consumer choice.The rapid expansions of fixed and mobile broadband services, and the drop in broadband prices, have been major drivers of the Information Society. The biggest drop has occurred in developing countries, broadening the affordability and access to m-services and apps.13 High-speed Internet access has continued to increase as broadband prices fall and mobile broadband networks expand rapidly. Almost all countries in the world have launched at least “third generation” (3G) mobile-broadband services, and the number of subscriptions has been growing rapidly. It is believed that by the end of 2015, mobile broadband penetration reached 47 per cent globally.14 5.2.3.3 Access to big data Today, data is more deeply woven into the fabric of our lives than ever before. Data can be used to anticipate and solve problems, improve well-being, and generate economic prosperity. The collection, storage, and analysis of data is on an upward and seemingly unbounded trajectory, fueled by increases in processing power, the cratering costs of computation and storage, and the growing number of sensor technologies embedded in devices of all kinds.15 Data collection and handling, as well as data aggregation and analysis, bring out new insights that are informing monetization opportunities in the mobile ecosystem. 5.2.4 Emerging concerns The growing diffusion of mobile services and applications also raises concerns that need to be addressed in order to sustain the digital ecosystem. To start with, increased adoption of the digital inclusion agenda will mean recognizing the isolation of populations that have no access to m-services and apps. How is a regulator to respond and ensure that the benefits of social inclusion are enjoyed by all its citizens?While competition has spurred consumer choice and enhanced benefits, the regulatory concerns remain: Is competition being encouraged adequately? Where meaningful competition is missing, are timely interventions being made to support universal service? Are regulatory principles in place to encourage investment and innovation? Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2016 127 Chapter 5